Linksys debuts smart home media server

Linksys has announced the availability of its new-generation home media server, dubbed “Media Hub”, to the local market aimed at simplifying the management and distribution of digital content in homes and small businesses.

The Linksys by Cisco Media Hub claims to be more than a regular SOHO NAS device by integrating software that can locate and consolidate digital assets – from photos to music and videos – automatically without the end-user having to know where the files reside on the network.

In addition to streaming media to varying devices throughout the home, the Media Hub also allows people to log into a specifically designed Web portal and access their media from any computer with a browser.

Cisco's consumer business group regional director Graeme Reardon said the device can copy media from other devices on the network to its hard disk or control playback where the files remain on the device.

“The Media Hub eliminates the complexity associated with managing digital media collections in the home [and] its contents can also be accessed through an easy to use interface anywhere in the world via a Web browser,” Reardon said.

The Media Hub supports the Bonjour protocol and can interface with a mobile phone, Xbox game console, computer, or another Linksys media device. The Hub also has iTunes server capabilities.

Users can register the Media Hub at its free, Cisco-managed portal Cisco Media Hub portal to access their digital media and upload or download files from a remote location over secure HTTP.

Automated backup software is included along with a one-touch backup button.

The base model ships with a 500GB disk drive, but can be expanded with an additional drive bay available in the unit.

The Media Hub will be available in March from Harvey Norman stores from $649.96 with the NMH405 model which includes a LCD screen and card reader for $699.95.

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

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